Outdoors

Join us for an exhilarating mountain hike designed to create lasting memories and forge new friendships! Register and get more details! No late confirmations **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/dubai-adventure-meetup-events)** Experience the thrill of the outdoors, take in breathtaking views, and witness a stunning sunrise from the summit. **🌄 Hike to Amazing Views and Sunrise Magic** Set out in the early morning hours and embark on a guided hike through scenic trails that lead to the mountain’s peak. As dawn breaks, watch the first light paint the sky in hues of pink and gold, offering a spectacular sunrise panorama that will leave you in awe. **👫 Meet Fellow Adventurers** Connect with like-minded outdoor enthusiasts and build meaningful relationships with people who share your passion for adventure. Register and get more details! No late confirmations **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/dubai-adventure-meetup-events)** Whether you're a seasoned hiker or new to the trails, this event is the perfect way to make new friends and enjoy shared experiences. **🍃 Experience More than Just a Hike:** Beyond the physical benefits of hiking, this event offers a rejuvenating escape from the daily grind. Reconnect with nature, clear your mind, and gain a fresh perspective as you trek through trails surrounded by the beauty of the mountains. Register and get more details! No late confirmations **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/dubai-adventure-meetup-events)** Let the peaceful ambiance of the outdoors wash over you, leaving you feeling refreshed and inspired. **🌿 Fun and Camaraderie:** Bond with fellow participants as you navigate the trail, share stories, and enjoy moments of laughter and support. Celebrate your accomplishment at the summit with group photos, snacks, and a sense of collective achievement. Register and get more details! No late confirmations **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/dubai-adventure-meetup-events)** **What to expect?** * Incredible Scenic Views * Refreshing Outdoor Experience * Opportunities to Network and Make Friends * Fun, Fitness, and Fresh Air **Hike Details:** * **Level**: Beginner to Beginner+ (8 KM distance) * **Trail**: Loop Donkey trail, Red,Green and black trails. *Don't miss out on this chance to be part of an adventure that will leave you inspired and energized.* **How to Join:** 1. RSVP on Meetup 2. **[Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/dubai-adventure-meetup-events)** *Lace up your hiking boots, pack your essentials, and come along for a mountain hike that promises amazing views and a stunning sunrise.* *Just like any event, slots are limited. RSVP and complete your registration at the earliest.* Happy Hiking 🥾

Come for Socializing. Stay for the Music 🎶 Join us for an unforgettable evening, where adventurers come together to make new friends and party with a live DJ to keep the energy high. Register and get more details! No late confirmations **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-social-meetup)** **💬 Social Hour: Meet & Connect** Kick off the evening with a warm and welcoming social hour for adventurers to connect over shared experiences and passions. Meet like-minded explorers, share your latest adventure stories, and create bonds that last long beyond the night. **✨ Elegant Ambiance** Immerse yourself in the sophisticated atmosphere of our specially chosen venue. The perfect blend of elegance and comfort provides the ideal backdrop for meaningful conversations and new connections. Register and get more details! No late confirmations **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-social-meetup)** **🎶 Afterparty & Live DJ Performance** As the night progresses, ease into party mode with the dynamic beats of live DJ. Let loose, dance the night away, and enjoy the afterparty. Embrace the adventure spirit with your newfound friends as the night comes alive with music and laughter. **👔👗 Dress Code: Elegant & Party** Embrace the occasion with your most stylish and sophisticated outfit. Gentlemen, opt for sharp smart casual wear. Ladies, dazzle in chic dresses or elegant evening attire. Let your fashion reflect the elegance of the evening. **🌌 Join us for an evening of camaraderie and celebration that embodies the adventure spirit.** Register and get more details! No late confirmations **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-social-meetup)** Whether you’re sharing stories, making new friends, or dancing the night away, this social evening and afterparty is set to be an unforgettable experience. Dress your best for a fun evening at the best venues in Dubai and get ready to pose for an #instaphoto 📷 **How many people attend?** We get 100 people on average in all our events and invite our members on Meetup and other platforms. Members of other groups who RSVP are included as guests to give an idea of expected numbers. **Registration** ✅ RSVP on Meetup. ✅ [Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-social-meetup) *Just like any event, slots are limited. RSVP and complete your registration at the earliest.* Happy Socializing 😊

**REGISTRATION THROUGH WHATSAPP : 0552176382** Looking to kick a ball around and have fun? Join us for a friendly game of football! Whether you're a seasoned player or just getting started, all skill levels are welcome. This event is perfect for players who want to improve their fitness while enjoying a social game of football in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. We cater to all types of players, from experienced footballers to beginners who want to learn and have fun. Our group is all about providing a positive and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. Join us on the pitch and let's have some fun together! As always, we will be playing outdoors, so please remember to bring appropriate footwear, comfortable athletic clothing, and water to stay hydrated. Don't miss out on a great opportunity to meet new people, get in some exercise, and indulge your love for the beautiful game. See you on the field!

🌤 Sometimes, all you need is a good road trip. To escape the city noise, clear your mind, and hit the open road with good people and even better energy. 🚙💨 Register and get more details! No late confirmations **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/dubai-adventure-meetup-events)** There’s something magical about watching the Dubai skyline fade in your rearview mirror, your favorite playlist on, windows down, and laughter filling the air. **🛣️ Here’s the plan:** We’ll grab coffees ☕, sort carpooling (no one drives alone!), and hit the road in convoy style. Every kilometer counts when the company’s this good. 💬 **🏞️ Stop 1 – Shawkah Dam Park** Stretch your legs, breathe mountain air, sip tea, and snap photos 📸 of rugged beauty. A peaceful pause before we keep rolling. 🌿 Register and get more details! No late confirmations **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/dubai-adventure-meetup-events)** **⛽ Stop 2 – Stretch & Sip** Quick break for snacks, laughs, and car-to-car banter. Fuel up, refill, reconnect. 😎 **🕌 Stop 3 – Al Jazirah Al Hamra Heritage Village** Step into the “Ghost Town” 👻 — the last surviving pearl village. Wander, explore, and watch the sunset paint the sky gold and rose 🌅. **🌄 Final Stop – Jebel Jais Mountain: The UAE’s highest peak!** As day turns to night, we’ll gather around a BBQ fire 🍢🔥, share food, stories, and laughter — surrounded by cool breezes, glowing stars, and unbeatable vibes. Register and get more details! No late confirmations **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/dubai-adventure-meetup-events)** Get ready for a full day of scenic drives, spontaneous moments, and breathtaking views that end under a sky full of stars. 🌌✨ **🧭 Here's what to expect:** * 🏔️ Scenic mountain drives * ☕ Tea, cookies & smiles at every stop * 🚗 Fun carpooling & new friendships * 🍢 BBQ dinner under the stars * 🌅 A sunset you’ll never forget It’s a journey of connection, laughter, and discovery — where strangers become friends, every stop feels like a story, and every view reminds you why we love to explore. **How to Join:** 1. RSVP on Meetup 2. [Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/dubai-adventure-meetup-events) *Just like any event, slots are limited. RSVP and complete your registration at the earliest.* Happy Adventure!

**To attend this practice and for more enq please connect directly on WhatsApp at +971 545367991** **\|\| Our session includes \|\|** 🤗 Breathwork 🧘 Meditation 🤸 Stretching Asanas (Postures) 🫶 Connecting with the Divine within 🌅 Shavasana (Relaxation) 🎯 Mindfulness Activities Games 💚 Additional features and yogic practices will be included. We will meet at 5:00 PM at Kite Beach, beginning the practice by the sea. The exact location will be shared privately on WhatsApp after confirming your attendance, as this is a selective group for committed practitioners. **Session Overview:** Join us for a refreshing evening of Stretch Yoga and meditation, crafted to energize your day. This class combines gentle stretching, strength-building poses, and mindful breathing to enhance flexibility, balance, and mental clarity. Perfect for all levels, you’ll leave feeling revitalized and centered. **What to Bring:** \*Yoga mat \*Water bottle \*Towel \*Positive energy 🚧 **Important**: Participation is at your own risk. Please ensure you are aware of any health conditions and take necessary precautions. The organizers are not liable for any injuries or accidents. If you have concerns or health issues, contact the organizer before attending. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ We look forward to sharing this peaceful practice with you. Namaste 🙏

📍 **Venue:** Sportsbay - karama We play badminton here every Sunday 12 pm - 02 pm **Google Map Link:** https://share.google/ZmeMwUDIRTipZog22 **Join our whatsApp group:** [Badminton for All - Deira/Quasis](https://chat.whatsapp.com/DCHMx6hAx3wEWDE93YTeJQ?mode=hqrc) **👋 First time joining?** [Click here to WhatsApp Sarfaraz (+971551899547)](https://wa.me/971551899547?text=Hey%20Sarfaraz!%20This%20is%20my%20first%20time%20joining%20Badminton%20For%20All%2C%20Dubai.) and confirm your slot. **📝 Key Info** This is a group open for players of all levels, nationalities, genders and races. Cost per session: 40 AED *Duration: Each session lasts 2 hours* *Equipment: We use feather shuttlecocks; please bring your own racket* *Slots: Booked on a first-come, first-served basis* *Play: Players will be rotated around multiple courts and will get games similar to their level of play* **Late Backout & No-Show Policy** **We strictly enforce our late backout and no-show rules to ensure smooth operations.** Organising replacements on short notice is difficult and disruptive, especially as our organisers have day jobs. Please be mindful of our policy: * **RSVP Policy:** Please RSVP for sessions exclusively through the Meetup app. WhatsApp is mainly for regular updates on attendance, timings and last-minute changes. Any requests made via WhatsApp might not be considered for session sign-ups. * **Late Backouts:** Backing out within 9 hours of the session is considered a late backout. You will be required to pay the session fee in full, even if a replacement is found. * **No-Shows:** If you fail to show up without notice, you must still pay for the session. * **Respect for the Organisers:** Our organisers finalise the list the night before or early morning. Last-minute changes mean they need to leave their work to arrange replacements. This affects not just the organisers but the overall experience of the players. * **Waitlist Responsibility:** If you're on the waitlist and no longer wish to attend, it’s your responsibility to remove your name. We assume that anyone on the waitlist still wants to join the session if a spot opens up. * **First-Come, First-Serve Basis:** We ensure fairness by adhering to a first-come, first-serve system. Please do not ask for special treatment or last-minute slots outside of this. **Note: Players may cancel without penalty up to 9 hours before the session. After this time, the session fee applies regardless of waitlist status. Please book and cancel responsibly to avoid disruptions for everyone involved.**

​Step into a vibrant dining gathering where great people, exceptional cuisine, and effortless conversations come together in a stylish and welcoming setting. Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-dubai-foodies)** ​Our dining socials are curated experiences bringing together ambitious, curious, and socially intelligent people. * ​Stylish setting designed for social energy. Room full of great and interesting people. Environment where connections happen effortlessly. ​Because the best nights happen when the right people come together. Register and get more details! **[Join WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-dubai-foodies)** ​Expect a diverse mix of interesting people including entrepreneurs, ambitious professionals, and creatives. ​👥 **Who you’ll meet** * ​People who enjoy meaningful conversations. Individuals open to meeting inspiring personalities. A socially intelligent and vibrant crowd. ​But more importantly, they share something in common: Curiosity, ambition, and great social energy. **Registration** ✅ RSVP on Meetup. ✅ [Join WhatsApp group (+971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-dubai-foodies) *Just like any event, slots are limited. RSVP and complete your registration at the earliest.* Happy Dining 😊

📍 **Venue:** Baseline Sports Academy, Al Quoz *[(Google Maps)](https://maps.app.goo.gl/KvyZpc9AFR4pDZNCA)*. We play badminton here every Sunday, 5-7 PM. Join our [Al Quoz/Jumeirah Group WhatsApp here](https://chat.whatsapp.com/GNNnYpvzVPjJLAgUAIG8Fg). **👋 First time joining?** [Click here to WhatsApp Sarfaraz (+971551899547)](https://wa.me/971551899547?text=Hey%20Sarfaraz!%20This%20is%20my%20first%20time%20joining%20Badminton%20For%20All%2C%20Dubai.) and confirm your slot. **📝 Key Info** This is a group open for players of all levels, nationalities, genders and races. *Cost per session: 45 AED* *Duration: Each session lasts 2 hours* *Equipment: We use feather shuttlecocks; please bring your own racket* *Slots: Booked on a first-come, first-served basis* *Play: Players will be rotated around multiple courts and will get games similar to their level of play* **Late Backout & No-Show Policy** **We strictly enforce our late backout and no-show rules to ensure smooth operations.** Organising replacements on short notice is difficult and disruptive, especially as our organisers have day jobs. Please be mindful of our policy: * **RSVP Policy:** Please RSVP for sessions exclusively through the Meetup app. WhatsApp is mainly for regular updates on attendance, timings and last-minute changes. Any requests made via WhatsApp might not be considered for session sign-ups. * **Late Backouts:** Backing out within 9 hours of the session is considered a late backout. You will be required to pay the session fee in full, even if a replacement is found. * **No-Shows:** If you fail to show up without notice, you must still pay for the session. * **Respect for the Organisers:** Our organisers finalise the list the night before or early morning. Last-minute changes mean they need to leave their work to arrange replacements. This affects not just the organisers but the overall experience of the players. * **Waitlist Responsibility:** If you're on the waitlist and no longer wish to attend, it’s your responsibility to remove your name. We assume that anyone on the waitlist still wants to join the session if a spot opens up. * **First-Come, First-Serve Basis:** We ensure fairness by adhering to a first-come, first-serve system. Please do not ask for special treatment or last-minute slots outside of this. **Note: Players may cancel without penalty up to 9 hours before the session. After this time, the session fee applies regardless of waitlist status. Please book and cancel responsibly to avoid disruptions for everyone involved.**

Ladies Only 24th May - 🌅 Yoga, Meditation & Sound Healing by the Beach A soft sunset evening to slow down, breathe deeply and reconnect with yourself before the busy week begins 🤍 This session is designed to help you relax your mind, release tension from the body and gently reset your nervous system with calming movements, meditation and healing sounds by the ocean. ⏰24th May , 5:30PM – 7PM 💸 Early bird 85 AED (bank transfer) or 89 AED by payment link 📍Calm spot near Sunset mall You can secure your spot here ⬇️ [https://hashtag-ladiesonly.zbni.co/u/teAJW](https://hashtag-ladiesonly.zbni.co/u/teAJW) See you soon Pls contact, so i can send you exact location 0505946485

**Introduce your business and Networking - Meetup**.. * Introduce you and your business - 1 min * Networking with everyone - 30min * Be on Time and Bring your Business Card Place is calm to interact. **Date**:- Every Sunday\* **Time**:- 1pm to 2.30pm **Location**:- AL Barsha 1st floor, 105 Hassanicor building, Roche Bobbis Showroom Downstair, Near to Mashreq Metro & Mall of Emirate **Google Location** \- Map:https://goo\.gl/maps/p574x1xF2Jkk5on89 **Register**:- it by joining **whatsup group (Its Free)** **https://chat.whatsapp.com/ICW4LS2Bh2C2Zt5KK6gqUN** **Contact Whatsup**: +971 524982943

Join us for an exciting day of Padel – one of the fastest-growing sports in the world! Book your game and get more details! **[Join our WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-padel-meetup)** Whether you're a seasoned player or just curious to try something new, this is the perfect opportunity. **Friendly Matches** Participate in casual games where you can compete, have fun, and make new friends. **Fun and Relaxation** Enjoy a day of laughter, friendly competition, and good vibes. It's not just about the sport; it's about the community! Book your game and get more details! **[Join our WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-padel-meetup)** **Why Padel?** Padel is an incredibly accessible sport that's easy to learn and play. You don't need to be a pro to enjoy the game; just bring your enthusiasm, and we'll take care of the rest! Book your game and get more details! **[Join our WhatsApp group (Click on Mobile / 971 55 539 4811)](https://jo.my/whatsapp-padel-meetup)** *Just like any game, slots are limited. RSVP and complete your registration at the earliest.* See you in the court! 🎾

Step into a quiet little bookshop in Tokyo and join us for a thoughtful Sunday morning discussion around Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa. A gentle and comforting novel about healing, second chances, loneliness, and the kind of refuge books can become during difficult times. Whether you’ve finished the book or are still reading, you’re welcome to join the conversation, meet fellow readers, and spend a relaxed morning surrounded by books and coffee ☕📖 📍 Bookends, Dubai Silicon Oasis 🗓 Sunday, May 24 🕚 11:00 AM Theme: Healing & the sanctuary of books

Connect with like-minded, non-judgmental souls, experience a deeply calming group silent meditation, and exchange life wisdom in an atmosphere of presence and meaning. Do you: 1- Crave deep conversations and authentic friendships instead of surface-level small talk? 2- Prefer deep conversations about life, purpose, and feelings over small talk? 3- Care deeply about helping, inspiring, or connecting with people? If you answered “Yes”, welcome to the group 🤗 Meetup Location: Kite Beach # 3 (umm Suqeim Beach) What to bring: -a small matt to sit on. -a bottle of water. Meetup Agenda: 09:00pm Gathering. 09:10pm Silent Meditation. 09:20pm Barefoot Beach Walking. 09:30pm Ask & Answer Circle. How to reach the location of the event? 📍google maps: Kite Beach # 3 (umm Suqeim Beach) Between Tent Jumeira Restaurant, and Pink Beach Cafe Note: The meetup point will have an orange LED light to follow 🚌 Bus 🚌 From👉🏻Mashreq Metro Bus Stop To👉🏻Umm Suqeim Library 2

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.

**History** [Chestnut Ridge Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/chestnut-ridge/) is historically significant because it sits on a 300-million-year-old outcropping of Blackhand sandstone. Geographically recognized as the very first foothill of the Appalachian Mountains, the ridge rises 1,116 feet above sea level. Long before European settlement, the land served as a sacred site for ancient civilizations. The park contains the Old Maid's Orchard Mound, an eight-foot-tall burial mound constructed by the Adena culture between 1000 B.C. and 100 B.C. This ancient landmark has remained largely intact and is now protected on the National Register of Historic Places. The documented modern history of the land began with an official survey conducted by Ebenezer Buckingham in 1801. Original land deeds of sale from this period notably bear the signatures of United States Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. In the 1830s, Irish laborers arrived at the ridge to quarry its rich Blackhand sandstone. The blocks they hewed were used to build the crucial locks for the nearby Ohio and Erie Canal. Remnants of this early sandstone quarrying operation can still be spotted by sharp-eyed hikers along the modern trails. Agricultural transformation defined the ridge throughout the mid-to-late 19th century. Settlers discovered that the high elevation created a natural air flow that prevented late-season frost damage to crops. Extensive fruit orchards were planted across the slopes between 1860 and 1880. One notable orchard was established by John Wagner, a Spanish-American War veteran who chose the ridge specifically for its proximity to the bustling Columbus market. The park's current name pays homage to the massive American chestnut trees that once dominated the ridgeline before a devastating ecological blight wiped them out in the early 20th century. The conservation story of the modern 486-acre park began in March 1962. The Metro Parks board announced land acquisition plans to block developers from building a residential housing development called Chestnut Heights. Director-Secretary Walter A. Tucker advocated heavily for the purchase, citing the ridge's immense value as a scenic overlook for central Ohio. The district systematically purchased multiple agricultural parcels over the next two decades. After operating strictly as undeveloped farmland through the 1970s, Chestnut Ridge Metro Park officially opened to the public on December 18, 1988. In recent decades, the park has evolved from a quiet hiking spot into a premier regional destination for outdoor sports. A major turning point occurred in 2010 when the Central Ohio Mountain Biking Organization (COMBO) partnered with the park district to develop new infrastructure. Volunteers worked extensively to construct a single-track mountain bike trail, which officially opened in October 2011. An expert gravity and flow trail featuring advanced jumps was later integrated into the loop in 2016. Today, the park successfully balances its deep ancient, industrial, and agricultural history with active recreation. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Chestnut Ridge](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/CHR_map_1980px_2026.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike the Ridge, Meadows, and Homesite Trails, and Law's Lane, which is unmarked on some maps. None of these trails is individually very long, so we will hike a few permutations and loops until we get in 4-5 miles. The hike will be moderately strenuous. **Where We'll Meet** Drive to the rearmost picnic area at the back of the park. There's a latrine here, but there's no water fountain here or anywhere else at Chestnut Ridge. I strongly recommend you bring some water of your own, at least for after the hike. Cell service at the park is spotty, although your GPS will get you there just fine. The map pin I've provided here is exactly where we'll be meeting and should be able to be used directly in Google Maps, although Chestnut Ridge isn't big and you're unlikely to get lost here. **After the Hike** Afterward, we'll head over to [BrewDog DogTap](https://drink.brewdog.com/usa/brewdog-dogtap-columbus) for [drinks](https://usa.brewdog.com/pages/brewdog-lineup) and [food](https://usa.brewdog.com/cdn/shop/files/DogTap_Menu_2025_65e1ff8b-97d4-4f26-80f1-68321d482025.pdf?v=17356939232910340498). They also have an outdoor area that's extremely popular. I've had their burgers and their pizza, and I think they're both very good. I also really like their [Cold Beer](https://usa.brewdog.com/products/cold-beer-2024) (that's its actual name), which is their American light lager. BrewDog's actual address is [96 Gender Rd, Canal Winchester, OH 43110](https://www.google.com/maps/place/96+Gender+Rd,+Canal+Winchester,+OH+43110/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x88387c06afa21a85:0x804c611d373d8c54?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and they have a large, free parking lot. We should be there by 5 if you can't make the hike and just want to join us for drinks.